Chris Lyttle MLA said: “With the recent success of the London Olympics and Paralympics, I think we must do all that is possible to ensure that we do as good a job as they did. I would encourage as many people as possible to volunteer to show the great hospitality that people here are well known for.
“Many competitors and spectators actually said it was the helpfulness and good spirit of the volunteers that made the Olympics so successful. By encouraging people to volunteer at the World Police and Fire Games, I hope we can ensure that all spectators travelling here will take away with them a positive view of Northern Ireland.
“I think it would be beneficial for the Department of Culture and the Department for Social Development, which has responsibility for volunteering, to get together to see what can be done to encourage more people to volunteer.
“It is the second biggest sporting event after the Olympics, so it would be a great way for people to gain experience. It could also be a good way to increase community engagement with the emergency services and the respect for the work they carry out.”